February 14, 2014 6:21pm ESTFebruary 14, 2014 8:30am ESTJonathan Quick will start in goal against Russia. It's tough to argue that doesn't make him the U.S. starter. Get ready for Saturday's showpiece event in Sochi.Team USA goalie Jonathan Quick(AP Photo)

If there was doubt even after the United States' Olympics-opening win over Slovakia, there isn't anymore: Jonathan Quick is Dan Bylsma's preferred goaltender.

Quick will start Saturday against Russia (7 a.m. ET, NBC Sports). That doesn't preclude Miller from playing later on, but if it were any real time-share situation, rather than a Quick-before-Miller situation, it would've unfolded differently. The Russia game is as big as it gets in group play, and it's Quick's opportunity alone. Then, if he blows it, Miller is as good a fall-back plan as possible.

Quick, the 2012 Conn Smythe winner with the Los Angeles Kings, was fine (if untested) against Slovakia. Miller, Team USA's best player in 2010, has been good all season for a garbage Buffalo Sabres team, while Quick came back strong from a groin injury in early January; in that span of time, Quick has a .920 save percentage to Miller's .911. On the season, Miller holds a .923 to .911 edge.

Team USA's lines remained largely unchanged on Friday, though Zach Parise and Dustin Brown switched spots at left wing: